Video: NASA releases Ares vehicle quarterly progress report

NASA has released to Flight its first Ares quarterly update video, showing the progress being made on technology development for the crew and cargo launch vehicles, Ares I and Ares V.

Following its Constellation programme quarterly review meeting held at Johnson Space Center earlier this month, the US space egency's video provides further details about the Ares I, which consists of a reusable solid rocket booster first stage and an expendable cryogenic second stage. Ares I will initially launch the 4-6 astronaut Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Ares quarterly progress report shows Marshall Space Flight Center-led test activities conducted across the US at NASA centres and contractors' facilities for the design and development of the Ares I and V. They will return NASA astronauts to the moon and then transport them to Mars and beyond as part of the US government's Vision for Space Exploration.

External links:The video should appear within this browser window. However, you can follow the direct links from NASA's website if you are having difficulty viewing the video (10min). Real PlayerWindows Media